Raptors Uprising Kenny Got Work eager to make point guard his own in Season 3

TORONTO, Canada— Originally drafted as a point guard by Toronto in the first round of the inaugural NBA 2K League Draft, Kenneth “Kenny Got Work” Hailey has never hesitated to do what’s been asked of him, even if that meant playing outside of his comfort zone.

In Season 1, he shifted to small forward when it became clear that ‘the three’ was the most important position in that year’s version of the game. In Season 2, he showed off his versatility by appearing at four different spots on the floor while the team tried various lineups and kept opponents guessing.

But in Season 3, with the side built around his style of play, the first-ever Raptors Uprising player is locked in—all in—to his natural role that’s made the Memphis native so renowned throughout the NBA 2K community.

“All point guard,” said Kenny Got Work, when asked what positions he’s been running this offseason. “I wasn’t playing around. Only point guard.”

Determined to get better and with a chip on his shoulder, the Raptors Uprising leader says he spent well over 200-300 hours grinding NBA 2K20 since the game dropped in September. There would even be days where he’d wake up, shower, grab a bite—and that was it: it was time to game.

“I’m my biggest critic,” he added. “When I look back at games, sometimes, it’s fine to be that selfless teammate, but then there are other times when you need somebody to be selfish. And I’m generally that player who’s never selfish, but I’ve been working on picking the right times when it’s needed. I definitely feel like I’ve evolved.”

In addition to returning to his natural position, the Raptors Uprising’s all-time leading scorer—who ended up achieving Legend status in NBA 2K20—is also excited by the prospect of what surrounds him in Season 3.

Ahead of the 2020 Draft, Raptors Uprising partnered with IBM and a small team of expert scouts to provide advanced analytical support—and the results have Kenny excited by the sense of familiarity that already exists between he and his new teammates.

“Management put a lot of emphasis on team chemistry,” said Kenny Got Work. “Some of our picks are guys that SickOne and I played with this offseason. It started when the team went out and got my guy, TimelyCook, 11th overall.”

Kenny and Timely have been playing together for over six years now. As you’ve probably heard, the two were part the “Still Trill” team that won the coveted $250,000 NBA 2K17 All-Star Tournament.

The Cincinnati, Ohio-native TimelyCook even made the trip down to Memphis this summer to visit Kenny Got Work where the two, of course, played lots of NBA 2K.

“It’s crazy because in Season 1, during the offseason, we talked about ‘what if we would be able to team up some time in the NBA 2K League?’ Just conversations.” added Kenny Got Work. “It’s crazy how it happened. We’re teammates now this year in Season 3.”

With shooting guard solidified and Jerry “SickOne” Knapp returning at centre, Raptors Uprising turned their attention to power forward where the team identified a need for a low-ego, high-talent type of player with elite defense. Wuan, according to Kenny and the Raptors Uprising’s draft analysis, checked all of those boxes.

And then, the team from the North decided to further surround their star point guard with familiarity by drafting small forward ReeceMode.

“We used to play against each other a lot,” explained Kenny Got Work. “I actually met ReeceMode through Timely. He was one of the guys that his circle looked up to as one of those O.G. type of guys. From the time that I met him, it was nothing but respect. I respected his game, so if he ever needed me, I always wanted to do my best to give him some advice to make his game better because I see greatness in him.”

Not to be outdone, Raptors Uprising rounded out their squad by adding SickOne’s brother, Legit 973 as the team’s sixth man. A talented and versatile ball handler, the 18-year-old rookie is a player who Kenny believes can be a real sleeper in Season 3.

“I feel like just because he’s Jerry’s little brother, people kind of overlook him or whatnot, but he’s definitely a dog also,” said Kenny Got Work. “Ever since I’ve seen Jake in the team-up lobby, he didn’t say many words, but his game spoke volumes: he was making plays on both ends.”

With their roster filled and built to the team’s liking, Kenny and MLSE Esports Manager Shane Talbot coordinated immediately following the draft to get the Memphis native back to Toronto. Kenny Got Work wanted to get to back to work.

He touched down in Toronto the very next day, and the rest of his teammates arrived a week later; they’ve gamed together non-stop ever since.

And when asked how the team was looking so far, it was difficult for the Raptors Uprising star to hold back his excitement.

“I just love the vibes right now,” said Kenny Got Work. “I feel like this team is built around me, guys that believe in me, and that’s what you need in this league. That’s what you need to be a high-caliber team to make that championship run. You need guys that believe.”

With the start of the 2020 NBA 2K Season delayed due to concerns surrounding coronavirus, the Season 3 veteran may have to wait a bit longer to show those around the league just why he’s so enthusiastic. When they do get their shot, however—with their talented point guard running the ship—Kenny believes that his side will shoot for the stars.

“If I stay composed, and I do everything that I know that I can, we’re going to at least make the playoffs. I know that for a fact, but I’m looking to make that deep run and carry these guys to a championship,” wrapped up Kenny Got Work.

“I feel like we have a system in play, and if we stick to that, we’re going to the moon.”